Landscape Design I: Overview and Design Preparation

Learn practical aspects of the design process including site documentation, client interview and program development. Using a site specified by the instructor, you will develop a site inventory and analysis and a conceptual diagram.

Bring to first class: engineer’s scale; architect’s scale, straight edge triangles (45° and 30°-60°-90°); mechanical pencils: 1 soft lead, 1 hard lead; chisel point black marker; extra fine point black "sharpie" marker; small roll tracing paper (bum wad), engineer’s paper.

Space is limited to 8 students; please register early.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is a core course in the Landscape & Garden Design certificate program and an elective in the Sustainable Horticulture certificate program.

Landscape Design II: Principles of Design

This course will explain design principles which will then be reinforced in class with exercises in both two and three dimensions.  You will analyze the use of these design concepts in landscapes through slides, photos, magazines and a field trip.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is a core course in the Landscape & Garden Design certificate program.

Woody Plants II: Trees

Trees are the most permanent part of the landscape and careful consideration should be given to choosing the right plant for the right spot.  Look beyond the well-known to many other outstanding varieties that work in a variety of situations.  From smaller trees for the typical home landscape to majestic specimen plants, get to know some beautiful plants.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is a core course in the Landscape & Garden Design certificate program and an elective in the Sustainable Horticulture certificate program.

Summer Short Course with David Culp

Early registration deadline: June 28.

David Culp is the creator of the gardens at Brandywine Cottage in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Brandywine Cottage is listed in the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Gardens. An expert of perennials and creating garden layers, David is an herbaceous perennials instructor at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. He has developed the Brandywine Hybrid strain of hellebores, and was recently cited in the Wall Street Journal for his expertise on snowdrops. His garden has been featured several times in Martha Stewart Living and on HGTV.

David has been writing and lecturing about gardens nationwide for more than 15 years. His articles have appeared in Martha Stewart Living, Country Living, Fine Gardening, Green Scene, and many other publications. He is a former contributing editor to Horticulture magazine, and recently authored the book The Layered Garden, published by Timber Press.

David is Vice President for Sunny Border Nurseries in Connecticut, and served as chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Hardy Plant Society. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Garden Award from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, as well as the recipient for their Award of Merit.

Outline of the Day's Lectures

8:30 – 9 a.m.
Registration, Coffee, and Book Sales

9 – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions

9:15 – 10:30 a.m.
The Layered Garden
Learn how to recreate the majestic display of David Culp’s beloved Brandywine Cottage. This lecture includes a basic lesson in layering—how to choose the correct plants by understanding how they grow and change throughout the seasons, how to design a layered garden, and tips on maintaining a layered garden. To illustrate how layering works, Culp will take you on a virtual tour through each part of his celebrated garden. The lecture culminates with his signature plants for all four seasons.

10:45 a.m. – Noon
Natives for the Home Landscape
David will make you better acquainted with some of our native plants, focusing on plant species, selections and cultivars that will help you maintain a sustainable landscapes that harmonizes with your natural environments. Find new selections and underused native plants to use in different areas of your garden throughout the seasons.

Noon – 1 p.m.
Lunch and Book Sales

1 – 2:15 p.m.
Shade Gardening
Shade gardening is far from a liability, in fact, creating a green haven in the shade is one of the most rewarding gardens you can make. David will share with us the many pleasures of shade gardening, as well as design ideas and the mechanics of shade gardening. He will also cover his favorite plants for a four season shade garden.

2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Final Notes

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

The Summer Short Course counts for 3.0 hours of continuing education for ASLA and PCH. This is an elective in Phipps' Landscape & Garden Design, Sustainable Horticulture, and Native Plant Landscapes certificate programs.

Hardscape in Design

Hardscape is an important part of the landscape and must be considered in the overall design process. Hardscape can define a design space, and add dimension and ornamentation. This class will focus on material selection, construction, drainage and water management, as well as advice for dealing with contractors.

Suggested Text: Walks, Walls & Patios: Plan, Design & Build, by the editors of Creative Homeowner

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is a core course in the Landscape & Garden Design certificate program and an elective in the Sustainable Horticulture certificate program.